Edna Edwards School of Nursing named at Assiniboine

As National Nursing Week recognizes the powerful role of nurses in transforming health and healthcare across the country, Assiniboine College is proud to introduce the Edna Edwards School of Nursing in honour of the late Edna Edwards, a former nurse and champion of healthcare education.

“Edna’s life and legacy represent much of our vision for the School of Nursing in supporting students and the healthcare sector across the province,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine College. “It’s a great honour to acknowledge Edna’s background in nursing and her passion for healthcare and education, inspired by her own career journey, with the Edna Edwards School of Nursing.”

Edna’s connection to the college goes back to the 1950s. She started her career in nursing training as a psychiatric nurse at the Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC)—now Assiniboine’s historic North Hill campus, and home to many programs in the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment named for her husband in 2022.

Edna worked as a nurse while raising her children, largely on her own, before she met Russ. Following her time at the BMHC, she went back to school to become an RN and continued to work and support their family while Russ set out to establish their business.

“Edna’s story is deeply inspiring and has many intersections with the college and our School of Nursing. It seems fitting that when we introduce a pathway from LPN to RN, there will be financial assistance for learners that bears Edna’s name,” said Frison.

The Edna Edwards School of Nursing accompanies the college’s continued focus on responsive nursing education across Manitoba. Russ Edwards announced today a gift of $4 million towards the School of Nursing to honour Edna’s legacy. This transformational gift will advance student experiences and research opportunities and provide financial awards for students pursuing the RN bridging pathway.

“My wife, Edna, was incredibly hard working and proud to be a nurse. She lived and studied to become a nurse in the very building where we make this announcement – she had fond memories of that time and enjoyed coming back here,” said Russ Edwards. “My family and I are grateful to be in a position to make this donation and will be proud to see Edna’s legacy support future generations of nurses who attend the Edna Edwards School of Nursing.”

“As part of Edna’s legacy, she was responsible for our annual donations to the medical system, including to the St. Boniface Hospital where she spent the majority of her career as a nurse, as well as working as head nurse in various departments,” said Edwards. “She has designated a $500,000 donation be made to the Edna Edwards Endowment Fund at the St. Boniface Hospital, dedicated to helping young men and women in their journey to become doctors. She was acutely aware of the need to ensure a steady supply of healthcare professionals through these two pillars of support within our province.”

“This is a significant investment to support improved and sustainable healthcare in our province. The generosity of the Edwards family will make a real impact on nursing education and those who pursue it at Assiniboine College,” said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “This meaningful donation honours Mrs. Edwards’ contributions to the healthcare system by providing opportunities for future generations.”

The Edna Edwards School of Nursing is the lead trainer of Practical Nurses in Manitoba and Canada. In addition to the nursing program offered at all permanent campuses, Assiniboine delivers nursing programs in rural rotating and community-based sites across the province—typically training future nurses in more than 10 locations in all corners of the province at one time.

“This generous support of our School from Mr. Edwards, in honour of his late wife, Edna, is a truly remarkable gift,” said Suzanne Nicolas, Dean of the Edna Edwards School of Nursing. “I admire Mrs. Edwards’ journey in education, healthcare and family. We are honoured to continue her legacy with exceptional experiences and financial support for students and are grateful to Russ for his incredible support in tribute to Edna.”